Bill’s Story

Bill Hutz is waiting for a new lease on life. For more than 20 years, he has battled kidney issues, and he is now suffering from end-stage renal disease. In 2012, a stent was placed in his heart, but his kidney problems prevented doctors from completing the entire procedure they had planned. This year, he spent most of February in the hospital, and began regular dialysis treatments to help his kidney function. Doctors now say a kidney transplant is necessary.

During such a difficult time, Bill is thankful for his strong support system. Together, he and his wife, Jackie, have five adult children and their spouses spread out all over the country. He has two granddaughters in Vermont, and going to see Zöe and Mia’s sweet faces is the first thing on Grampy’s to-do list after receiving his transplant! He looks forward to being well enough to go fishing, putter around the house and travel with Jackie once again. But right now, he needs your help.

Unfortunately, Bill’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

The average kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. And that’s only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover the cost of the transplant, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

For 30 years, Bill enjoyed setting up and maintaining aquariums, and he eventually turned that into a business. In 2014, he had to close the business when his health would no longer allow him to drive or carry the equipment, adding to the financial strain.

What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others?

The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve the growing burden of expenses for Bill. NFT has been assisting transplant patients with fundraising support for more than 30 years. Your gift—of $25, $50, $100 or more—will enable NFT to provide Bill with the financial support he desperately needs.